Abstract
Multicultural Counseling Competence (MCC) is an established standard of practice across the world, though it is still predominantly defined from Western sociocultural perspectives. There are no models of MCC adapted from the sociocultural realities of the region, nor empirical or valid measures of MCC specific to the region. The current research is proposed as a three-phased research design.
Specifically, it begins with a theoretical explanation of MCC in the context of Arab socio-cultural values. Based on this groundwork, this research will attempt to develop an MCC framework adapted for the Arab region. The adapted framework will address the culture dynamics of the region.
Second, the research will develop a validated MCC questionnaire adapted to the Lebanese context, as it serves as a pilot country, given its representatively relative level of cultural diversity in the region. The validated tool will then be used.
Third, findings will help set the ground for practice-oriented guidelines on culturally competent counseling in Lebanon, which could be generalized across the Arab states.
This research offers a theoretical perspective, an assessment tool, and guidelines for practice in multicultural counseling that could provide a ground-breaking beginning in culturally safe practices adapted to the region of the Arab world.